Local MP Alan Mak has visited Greywell Old School Butchers in Leigh Park ahead of Small Business Saturday and urged people to support independent traders.
He called in to see owner Gary Wright to show his support and back the annual campaign that encourages shoppers to use small businesses in their communities all year round.
Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on shopping habits.
Mr Mak met up with Gary at his shop in Greywell Precinct, Leigh Park. The ex-soldier in the Royal Hampshire Regiment began learning how to be a butcher as a 10-year-old Saturday boy and has 50 years' experience in the trade.
Now he runs Greywell Old School Butchers, supported by husband and wife Ellen and Fred Burgess.
They supply fresh farm meat, pies and cooked meats, plus home-made sausages. Gary also cures his own bacon.
As well as the shop, he runs a mobile delivery service and offers outside catering with hog roasts and barbecues for weddings, birthdays and parties.
Christmas is traditionally one of the busiest times of year, with meat hamper orders and people choosing a bird for the table.
Gary said: "Everybody is feeling the pinch financially, but we have our regulars who support us. The older generation are the ones who keep places like this going. We can't compete on price with Lidl and Aldi, but we're able to offer small quantities and quality."
He added: "I'm old school. I like to talk to customers and do things the traditional way. We try to cater for everybody's needs."
Mr Mak said: "I really enjoyed calling in to see Gary again and buy some of his bacon and eggs. Small independent businesses such as Greywell Old School Butchers are the lifeblood of our community and local economy.
"I encourage residents across the Havant Constituency to support them by shopping local, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round."
